University of New England hosts meeting, panel discussion on opioid crisis
As the nation faces an ever-growing epidemic of heroin addiction and prescription drug misuse, the University of New England continues to be a leader in the fight against addiction. On Thursday, May 19, 2016, UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition (CHCC) hosted “Collaboration and Action to Address Substance Abuse and the Opioid Crisis,” a meeting and panel discussion about this public health crisis affecting people in York County and across the state. The panel featured various stakeholders working to address the issue, including government officials, law enforcement, public health experts and people in recovery.
Edward Bilsky, Ph.D., UNE vice president of Research and Scholarship, delivered the keynote address, explaining the neuroscience behind opioids and the relationship of the opioid system to chronic pain and addiction. The talk also addressed the stigma around those diseases and the need for prevention strategies and early access to treatment.
Bilsky’s keynote address was followed by a lively discussion among City of Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant, City of Saco Administrator Kevin Sutherland, Saco Chief of Police Bradley Paul, William Paterson of the Maine Opiate Collaborative, Kennebunk Police Chief Robert Mackenzie, Jim Godbout of the Rotary Club, Debora Erickson-Irons of the York District Public Health Council and Matthew Braun of Young People in Recovery. The panelists discussed their leadership in combatting the opioid crisis and how collaboration is necessary to further this critical work. They also engaged in spirited dialogue with the audience about the steps needed to tackle this problem as a community.
CHCC is a local community health coalition focused on promoting physical activity and nutrition, creating smoke free public spaces and preventing substance abuse in northern York County. This year, its annual meeting will provide a chance for community leaders to align and amplify their work around substance abuse prevention and the opioid crisis.
